The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey on a high note, securing a 2-1 comeback win against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The match, which took place on 25 September 2026, at 7:17 pm WAT, saw the home team stun the visitors early on but ultimately claim all three points. Emmanuel Kari gave Madagascar the lead in the 16th minute, converting an early opportunity that caught the home crowd off guard.
The Super Eagles responded strongly to the setback, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Gift Ilenikhena scored, assisted by Alex Iwobi. Ilenikhena's goal in the 46th minute brought the scores level, and the momentum shifted in favor of the hosts. The team continued to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities, setting the stage for a potential comeback.
Nigeria completed the turnaround in the 65th minute when Moses Usor found the net, with Semi Ajayi providing the assist. The goal sealed the win for the Super Eagles, who controlled much of the second half and limited Madagascar's chances. The hosts' strategy and determination were reflected in the match statistics, showcasing their overall dominance.
The match statistics highlighted Nigeria's superior performance, with the Super Eagles enjoying 54.7 per cent possession and recording 22 shots against Madagascar's four. The Eagles also registered four shots on target, compared with Madagascar's one, and had 35 touches inside the opposition penalty area to the visitors' six. These numbers underscored the team's strong display and effective gameplay.
The result gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture, marking a positive start to their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON. The win boosts the team's morale and sets a confident tone for their upcoming matches. The Super Eagles will look to build on this momentum as they continue their qualifying journey.
The match was reported by Goli Innocent for The Sun Newspaper, a reputable source for Nigerian news. The Super Eagles' victory was celebrated by the home crowd, who witnessed their team's resilience and skill. The team's performance demonstrated their capability to overcome early setbacks and secure crucial wins.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign is a significant event for African football, with teams competing for a spot in the prestigious tournament. Nigeria's Super Eagles are among the contenders, and their win against Madagascar positions them well in Group L. The team's progress will be closely watched by fans and analysts as the qualifying matches unfold.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar.
- The match took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 25 September 2026.
- Gift Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria, while Emmanuel Kari scored for Madagascar.
